"So how's the studio coming?" I think I get this question 4-20 times a week so I decided to blog about it! So here goes! Back in December I was looking for a store front space in the Lincoln Square area. For those unfamiliar with Chicago... Lincoln Square was primarily a German neighborhood for a long time (40s-60s ish) and then they started to move to other areas and to the suburbs. It went through a rough patch, but its back and booming! There is still large amount of German culture in the neighborhood including another dirndl store, the Chicago Brauhaus and an Apotheke. Lincoln Square's neighbor, North Center, has the largest concentration of German restaurants in the city!
Anyway... we found something! And here it is! Ain't she a beauty?!
Front of 5051 N. Lincoln as of right now
So it needs a lot of work. That was the only way we could afford it. My goal was to have the store front open and ready by June 1st to coincide with the Maifest in Lincoln Square (an outdoor, 3 day German fest about 7-10 min walking distance from the store). However... everyday June 1st gets closer and no work is getting done.
"Damn you City of ?#@$#!"
The city denied our request for a building permit because the bathroom was not big enough for a wheelchair, the entrance vestibule was not big enough for a wheelchair and there was no drinking fountain. So we redid the plans, no more vestibule, larger bathroom and... wait WHAT?! a drinking fountain?! with a 5ft radius around it for a wheel chair?! This is a by appointment only dirndl boutique and studio... really?!?! - yes... I'm looking into a water cooler, but this is the kind of ridiculousness that I'm trying to not let make me crazy.
Where shall we put the bubbler?!
So the appointment is for Thursday and if we don't get a building permit, the construction cannot start on Monday and my goal of being open for Maifest is going out the window. I've already given up on the front facade... that definitely won't be finished. But positive thoughts people! It'll be fine! right?...
What the front will look like at the end of the summer! yay!
3 new walls need to go up, 2 with electric, new ceiling with electric and leveling the floors... then we come in and do the finishing! Until then, we are working on the demolition... taking our anger at the city and focussing it on the ceiling and walls!
Taking down the 100+ year old ceiling!
So to answer everyones question... "So how's the studio coming?" well right now, its not. I mean... I guess it is. We are slowly tearing apart stuff thats been there since 1908, learning that spiderwebs can also become dusty and my boogers get black real fast even with the mask on! But it is not moving at the speed that I had it all planned out in my head 4 months ago.
Send your Happy thoughts my way on Thursday! Thanks!!
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Every week June 1st approaches faster and faster. As of right now, the studio... still need a lot of work. Since the facade needs to be remodeled, some walls need to be moved, the ol' city of Chicago wants a little piece of my hard earned money. Waiting on the permit means I've got time to sew like a crazy person and thats exactly what I'm doing. The $199 One-of-a-kind Sale has suddenly exploded! With 6 orders to start, and 2 to finish (not to mention trying to start production on a 35 piece new collection) I'm a little relieved that I can't work on the studio.
Joan's New Dirndl
Although I've got lots of orders to fill... there is still so much fabric left! Where did I get all of it!? I'm impressed my grandma was able to fold everything so nicely that it all fit in my moms china cabinet! Anyway... The sale will continue until March 31st and then thats it. By then it'll be painting, laying flooring and sweating for me!
Take advantage of this opportunity because I don't plan on ever accumulating this kind of random fabric inventory again. (I've gotten better and avoiding the remnant section of Vogue)
Katrina's New Dirndl
This has been really fun (quite exhausting) yet, very rewarding. Heres how it works, you send me an e-mail (erika@erikaneumayer.com) with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
Kathleen's New Dirndl
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be made with the basic neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches from the waist to the hem. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
Megan's New Dirndl
It feels really great to receive e-mails saying "just do whatever, I trust you" and "I'm sure it'll be great no matter what you choose". I'm so happy that I truly have fans of my work and that I am trusted. But thats enough... I've got sewing to do!
sneak peek at the studio space... lots left to do (including moving the sink in the bathroom :)
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The past couple weeks I've been working feverishly on making one-of-a-kind dirndls for only $199! Its such a great deal and I'm so glad that so many people are taking advantage of it. Its also so much fun!!
Nicki's new dirndl
Heres how it works, you send me an e-mail with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
You can go from this,
to this!
Brianna's new dirndl
Some of the fabrics are vintage prints and international prints that if sold regularly would cost $400-$800 for a custom piece, but during this sale... every dirndl using my inventory fabrics is $199. On June 1st we are going to open the doors to a new studio and retail store in the historical Lincoln Square neighborhood! That means that we are going to be packing up and moving from our current location. Some of the fabrics that have accumulated over the years are great but we can't use them for production and now its time to say goodbye!
Kelsey's new dirndl
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be made with the basic square neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches from the waist to the hem. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
This sale only lasts until March 31st or until there is no more fabric left! Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
Liz's new Dirndl
If you have any questions you can e-mail me anytime at erika@erikaneumayer.com
This is big... like Macy's One Day Sale big... like Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale big... like the lottery BIG (ok, maybe not that big, but big!) Its the one and only chance to get a One-of-a-Kind handmade dirndl for $199.00! Yup... $199.00
My personal One-of-a-Kind
We know that budgets can be tight these days and sometimes our garments don't fit well into that budget, but this is a great way to get something that is truly Rare.
On June 1st we are going to open the doors to a new studio and retail store in the historical Lincoln Square neighborhood! That means that we are going to be packing up and moving from our current location. Some of the fabrics that have accumulated over the years are great but we can't use them for production and now its time to say goodbye!
So here's how it works, you send me an e-mail with your size and your top 3 color choices. (They don't need to go together, but just 3 colors that you love and you know look great on you!) Then I send you some swatches and if you like them, I make it for you for $199. I'm ONLY using inventory fabrics and trims, but there are plenty to choose from! From 1960s vintage and traditional cottons to modern graphic prints and thai silks! You'll be trusting me (erika) to make you something fabulous from just a swatch, but if you like the Rare collections, you'll love your custom piece!
All of the $199 Custom pieces will be similar to the Frozen in Space Dirndl (below) with the basic square neckline and the length will be 20-25 inches. The apron is included and will be made to match the dirndl seamlessly! The blouse is not included but can be added separately.
The Size Chart is easy to follow and is accessible 24 hours a day on the website. Click Here to get to the Size Chart.
This sale only lasts until March 31st or until there is no more fabric left! Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Shipping and tax are not included.
It's been a very, very long time since I wrote my last blog and for those who actually enjoy reading them I am terribly sorry and to those who don't care then this has no relevance to you. Since my last blog so much has happened that its going to be impossible to get to everything but quick overview... launched a new collection and traveled to Indiana, Georgia, and Ohio to sell my products and was incredibly happy with success of on the road sales. Once the craziness that is the Oktoberfest season subsided and began my search for a studio space!
One of my favorite photos from the Sun-Kissed Collection
I wanted a place that was in Lincoln Square because a) I love the area! and b) it seems like the only logical place in Chicago to have a dirndl store. I found the perfect place right in square... but it was over budget... by $1,000,000 ... so I moved on. It was hard to find anything that was affordable for me and my tiny line. My super fabulous realtor, Rae Paterno, suggested that I think outside the box (which isn't all that hard for me to do considering I don't tend to say in said box... ever) so we looked a this gross pub that was for sale walking distance from the German Fest grounds but not too close, so it was affordable. It was WAY worse from the inside than from the outside and we both decided that it was not going to work. After walking out of the bar we looked at it from the outside and I said to Rae "you know, from the outside it could be a great space, the only thing is that ugly building next door!" she replied "well thats for sale too!"
Our building (when you Google it)
That was the beginning of a long/short journey ending the purchase of 5051 N. Lincoln! Its the perfect place for us (me and my bf, Christian) and my business. It has a store front on the first floor, a small apartment behind the store, a large 2nd floor apartment, a cute yard and a 2 car garage. Its just enough space for us, my studio/store front, and we can get a little extra income from the tenants.
5051 N. Lincoln today (well kinda, my dad and I took the awning down)
That sounds all lollipops and gumdrops! Unicorns and rainbows! Spaetzle and Schnitzel! Until you actually see the place. Its what I like to call a work in progress, but most people would just call it a dump. There is nothing about our new home that doesn't need work... nothing! I mean the toilets flush and the lights work... but even those could use to be replaced. Christian and I have a wild journey ahead of us, but in the end it is going to ours and just the way we like it.
The studio space (now)
Until then I am feverishly woking on my line because with winter comes a drop in sales. Well more like a plunge from with the warm sunny cliffs of Hawaii into the cold dark depths of the Alaskan waters... I knew it was coming, but I didn't expect it to be so difficult on the ol' check book. So while slowly but surely trying to work on the studio space so we can have the grand opening weekend coincide with the Maifest in Lincoln Square (June 1-3), I'm trying to keep my little line above that cold water... because what would suck the most is having a studio/retail space with nothing to put in it.
Part of the new Winter Sweater Collection
My mom would be all "Stop being so pessimistic, everything will be fine!" I don't like to call it pessimism, I like to call it reality with a splash of sarcasm and motivation! but whatever you call it... its going to be a wild wintery ride and I'm ready! i think...
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Last Weekend was my first fashion show. I was approached by Marianne Strumberger of the Chicago Donauschwaben Frauengruppe and asked if I would be interested in doing a fashion show at their clubhouse... my answer, uh duh YES! She was very willing to work with me and try to make it as close to what I imagined as possible. She said that she would take care of the luncheon and I would take care of the show... deal! From the very beginning, I was determined to make the show as professional as possible even though the audience was used to more informal lunchtime shows, I was ready to give them something new! That started with my flyer. I titled the show, "in detail" because this would be one of the first times that people would get to take a real close up look at what I have been doing. I wanted to keep the flyer intense and a little dark because... thats just how I like to do things!
Then came the planning. I asked some of my good friends as well as some other girls from chicago donau to model in the show, knowing that they would be a good fit for my samples. I also had to ask some boys to model my new menswear pieces. Arranging the line up was a long and tedious process, but I eventually found a good flow for the show.
I Love Lucy Dirndl - New 2011 Summer collection ended the show.
Next came the music. I wanted the music to go with the inspiration of each collection, but at the same time, not offending any of the Omas in the crowd. I chose a mix of strong beats and soft tunes for the show, but didn't let the audience dictate my choices too much. I also picked out some music for the background music for the luncheon (which I knew would be controversial) I heard (through the grape vine) that many omas were not pleased with my instrumental choice for the lunch music, but I thought... and still believe... that if I had the typical donau Deutsche music during lunch... the runway music would have been a complete shock and someone was gunna start shakin in their salamanders! I have 100% no regrets about my music choices!
Practice on Friday was crucial! Since most of my friends had not walked in a runway show before they had no idea how hectic the backstage would be. Luckily we were given the opportunity to practice and it turned out to be a great way to get everyone in the mood for the show.
One of the Classrooms turned into a dressing room!
On Saturday, my mom and I met Marianne and a few others at the hall to set up. From 1:30-6:00 we were setting up the dressing rooms, the buffet table, the seating and the runway. When I left, I wasn't nervous anymore. I was happy and confident that the show was going to be a success! That night, with the help of my sister, Monika, we finished making the little favors and prepping the last minute things over some wine and an Extreme Couponers marathon!
The hall set up and ready for the show
The models all arrived on Sunday at 10am to start hair and makeup. The hair and makeup was another thing that I wanted to be over the top because I knew that that was something that many of the attendees would not be expecting, but would be impressed with. I was not about to have a runway show without a dramatic runway look. I needed to keep it pretty neutral because they would be modeling 5 different collections, so I chose darker eyes with some pops of color and big hair, semi messy, asymmetrical, with braids. I was so happy with every look, and I was ready to show off my designs on my beautiful models!
Ingrid, Ali, Nikki, Monika and Ingrid with their hair and makeup ready
I started the show with all of the one of a kind pieces I had designed for women in the area. It was a great way to start and everyone got to see the variety of pieces that I have worked on in the past year!
Dana Young in her custom dirndl. The first Very Rare custom piece!
Following the custom pieces was cafe und kuchen and then on to the main event! I started the show with a bang... super strong, loud music and the Rainforest Couture Dirndl. The show lasted about 30 minutes and featured 31 pieces!
#5 of the show. The Poison Dart Dirndl
Overall, I heard all great feedback! (except some whining about the lunch music... NOT concerned) I was so proud of all the models, all the dressers, all the set up, everything! I can't wait to do another show and I'm so grateful to the Chicago Donau, Marianne and everyone else who made the show a success!
Ancient Galaxy Skirt and Vest
Plus my dad was the star of the show... he got the most applause for his un-model face! Love him to pieces!
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After countless requests for Menswear, I decided to include some pieces in my 2011 collection. It started with a request from a good friend of mine for a purple plaid shirt. After he said purple, I immediately thought, that would go perfectly! I quickly found fabrics, but how was I going to make the plain ol plaid fabric into a trachten hemd? It needed something... like a cool button. I decided that I would do something different, something that I have never seen... Hand painted edelweiss buttons! After a few trial and error, I got the hang of painting the little guys and before I knew it, I painted 100+ buttons!
Painting buttons at the Summer Haus!
Plaid Short Sleeve Shirt with Hand Painted Buttons
But not all of the pieces could have the buttons, that would be a little redundant and boring... and I wanted more than 2 menswear pieces in my collection. Now what? I began to think back to my meeting with Joan Shifrin and Catherine Shimony, co-founders of the Global Goods Partners, at the trade show in Chicago. They had said that they have great embroiderers in Cambodia and that maybe we could collaborate on something. This was the perfect opportunity. After lots of back and forth via e-mail and phone, it was decided that the El Hombre Sobre La Tierra embroiderers from Mexico was a better fit for the kind of work that I was looking for and I sent off my fabrics!
El Hombre Sobre la Tierra expert embroidery!
Within about 6 weeks I received my fabric back and the embroidery was perfect! It was just what I wanted and I was even more excited that I was able to give my business to the women working in the poverty stricten areas of the Yucatan. "El Hombre Sobre la Tierra works with several Mayan villages in the Mexican state of Yucatán—the peninsula perhaps best known for one of the country’s top tourist destinations, Cancún. Despite Cancún’s successful economy, there is severe poverty in the region. For the past five centuries, the indigenous Maya have fought to defend their cultural identity and natural resources in the face of colonization, state-sponsored marginalization and most recently, globalization. Today, most Maya live in poor conditions, usually in small homes with earthen floors, palm-leaf roofs and timber walls. Education levels remain low, and Mayan-speaking adults are alienated from the Spanish-speaking majority, who claim a monopoly on political, economic and social power. Cultural norms make progress particularly challenging for women in the region, preventing them from owning land and working outside the home. Slash-and-burn agriculture has depleted environmental resources, making it necessary for Maya communities to seek more sustainable means of development." GGP
Since the release of my 2011 collection, I have gotten the most response and comments regarding the menswear. I've already sold 6 of the Grey Shirts with embroidery! So this week, I've been working hard to make more menswear pieces for the summer collection! I'm trying to be resourceful and use some of the embroidery that I have from Mexico, as well as my painted buttons. But I'm also going to use new metal buttons and new prints and colors! I've very excited about the men's shirts and I can't wait to shoot them when the weather gets warmer.
Newest Menswear piece for summer 2011
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